Bongiwe Madela's musical odyssey: from church choir to chart-topping star
Image: Supplied
In a remarkable era for gospel music, female artists in South Africa are leaving an indelible mark that echoes far beyond the church walls.
Their powerful ballads and uplifting worship anthems are not merely filling airwaves; they are shaping the contemporary soundscape of faith-based music as never before.
These talented women are breaking barriers, leading worship, headlining tours and creating a renewed sense of connection for audiences across the nation.
One shining star in this vibrant scene is Bongiwe Madela, a gifted singer and songwriter hailing from Katlehong, Gauteng.
Madela's journey began with a Music Performance degree, where she cultivated her musical talents as a backing vocalist for several prominent South African artists, including Dr Tumi and Collen Maluleke.
Her skills ultimately found a larger platform when she joined Joyous Celebration, an internationally acclaimed gospel group, three years ago.
Her transition from supporting roles to a leading figure has been marked by determination and a lifelong dream of creating her own music.
'It has always been a dream of mine to create my own music and I've always had the gift of songwriting,' she recalled. 'It was just a matter of time.'
Madela's rise in the industry was further marked by her powerful representation of Africa on BET's "Sunday Best" in 2019.
She shared the stage with luminaries like VaShawn Mitchell, Kirk Franklin and Kelly Price, showcasing her talent to an international audience.
Since then, her discography has expanded, with multiple songs now available on various digital platforms, capturing the hearts of listeners with her unique sound and meaningful lyrics.
A significant milestone in her career came in June 2024, when Madela held her first live concert at the House of Treasures Ministries in Johannesburg.
The concert was not just a performance but an authentic expression of faith that translated into a subsequent release of songs recorded during the event.
One standout track, 'Konke Kimi', was launched as a single on September 20, further solidifying her position as a formidable artist.
Bongiwe Madela is not just another artist in the gospel genre; she is a pioneering voice that appeals to both traditional gospel aficionados and a younger generation.
Image: 98eight
In a conversation with "Independent Media Lifestyle", Madela reflected on her inspirations, citing gospel legends like Rebecca Malope and Ntokozo Mbambo as significant influences.
'The amazing women who've made a great impact in the South African gospel music industry have moulded me into the musician I am today,' she asserted passionately.
With an impressive streaming record across digital platforms, Madela is not just another artist in the gospel genre; she is a pioneering voice that appeals to both traditional gospel aficionados and a younger generation seeking a deeper spiritual connection through music.
Her latest EP, 'The Walk', has been met with acclaim, and her live performances exude both skill and anointing, making her one of the most exciting new talents to emerge in recent years.
'The Walk' is an extension of her previous work, 'The Wait', which explored themes of faith and patience.
'This one is about walking with the Lord,' she explained, indicative of her deep spiritual reflection and commitment to her faith.
Madela's recent singles, including 'Konke Kimi' and 'Umelusi', have set the stage for this new project.
When asked about the inspiration behind her latest works, she revealed, 'My walk with Christ. Choosing to follow Him and surrendering to His will.'
As her influence grows, Madela has earned a nomination for Best Newcomer at the 2025 INGOMA Awards (Independent National Gospel Music Awards), an honour that took her by surprise and filled her with excitement.
'It means growth,' she said, reflecting on what winning would signify, especially as a burgeoning woman in the industry. 'It would mean all things are possible if you believe and put in the work.'
The industry is indeed evolving, though Madela noted that this transformation is not solely about advancing women in the music industry.
'The industry is changing totally and opening for everyone,' she clarified. As she continues to carve her niche, she expressed a desire for collaboration, mentioning her dream to work with Ntokozo Mbambo, an artist she admires deeply.
Looking ahead, Madela aspires for her music to reach global audiences, determined to establish herself as a worldwide gospel artist.
'For 2025, I hope to grow more as a child of God and deepen my knowledge of Him,' she shared, grounded yet ambitious.
Her journey is one of unwavering faith, passion and an impactful legacy that will inspire future generations in the Gospel music sphere.
∎ 'The Walk' EP is a confident, well-balanced journey through worship and reflection. Standouts like 'Busa' and 'Ngisebenzise' bring dynamic and emotional peaks, while 'uMusa' and 'Thando' showcase vulnerability and grace. The production is clean and consistent, though a couple of tracks could benefit from deeper musical layering.
Rating: 4/5
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
IOL News
an hour ago
- IOL News
Buffalo Bill Cody is the early favourite for the POST Merchants
THE 129th edition of the R5 million Hollywoodbets Durban July will take place on Saturday at the Greyville Racecourse. Getting ready for KZN's premier horse racing event is Durban North model, Miashca Naidoo - dressed by Kathrin Kidger - with one of the country's best sprinters in this year's renewal of the POST Merchants, I Am Giant. He is owned by Hollywood Racing and trained by Stuart Ferrie. Image: Tumi Pakkies/Independent Newspapers JOIN the excitement at the 129th Hollywoodbets Durban July this Saturday, featuring thrilling horse racing, top performances by South African artists, and a spectacular Grandstand Light Show. An expected crowd of 45 000 fans will descend on Greyville Racecourse for the R5-million Hollywoodbets Durban July. Gates open at 10am and a full day of action-packed quality horse racing and high-class entertainment will continue into the evening under the dazzling new lights, which have been installed at the city track. To celebrate the introduction of the new floodlights, a dazzling grandstand light show, the first of its kind in South Africa, will follow the running of the last of 12 races, which is due to start at 7.40pm. . Several of South Africa's headline artists, including Lira and Mafikizolo, will perform on the pulse stage, which is situated in-field in the midst of the marquee village and the legendary Zolani Mahola will deliver her rendition of the national anthem from the trackside celebration stage shortly before the 18 'July' runners enter the starting stalls at 4pm. The 2 200m Hollywoodbets Durban July is the seventh race on the programme, while the R500 000 1 200m POST Merchants has been carded as the ninth race and is due to start at 5.40pm. I Am Giant is one of 14 of the country's best sprinters in this year's renewal of the POST Merchants and the Stuart Ferrie-trained 5 year son of Querari will be partnered by Sean Veale, who has ridden more than 100 winners this season. I Am Giant is owned by Hollywood Racing, who are also represented by Cruise Control and Ziyasha. The Tony Peter-trained Buffalo Bill Cody is the early favourite for the POST Merchants, but the young pretender will need to be at his best to hold out the seasoned 15-time winner William Roberston. Lucinda Woodruff, who won the POST Merchants last year with Café Culture, saddles the only filly in the race, Mai Sensation, who has the advantage of jumping out of pole position.
The Citizen
14 hours ago
- The Citizen
WATCH: ‘The world has lost a true gentleman' – Tributes pour in for actor Wiseman Sithole
Sithole's passing comes as he was preparing to act out Athol Fugard's play, titled 'Boesman and Lena'. South African actor Wiseman Sithole has died, prompting a flood of tributes to the 51-year-old, who many remember from his work on shows like Suidooster and Summertide. 'It is with the greatest sadness that we share the shattering news of Wiseman Sithole's sudden passing. We are honoured to have worked alongside this legend of an actor,' read a statement from his agency, Emma Ress Management (ERM), confirming his passing. ERM said it would communicate details concerning his funeral and memorial service, upon his family's instruction. ALSO READ: 'A profound loss': Fashion world mourns Sun Goddess Vanya Mangaliso 'RIP my brother' Fellow actor Lee-Ann van Rooi paid tribute to Sithole, reminiscing on their time working together and sharing a smoke during breaks. 'We finally got to work together for a whole week… had plans to work together later in the year…. a colleague and friend from the time when Stokvel and Fishy Fashions were 2.5 day shoot rotation swing sets. For TV2,' wrote Van Rooi. 'We minded our own business but now and again would enjoy a car park smoke and a story. I don't smoke anymore and this is the last of your story. R.I.P my brother.' ALSO READ: SA mourns death of playwright and author Athol Fugard Preparing for Boesman and Lena Sithole's passing comes as he, together with Van Rooi and others, was preparing to act out a play written by recently deceased Athol Fugard, titled Boesman and Lena. The story is centred on the struggles of a coloured couple, Boesman and Lena, as they are forced to wander from place to place, highlighting the human cost of apartheid's oppressive policies. In the upcoming play, Sithole was to depict Outa, an old Xhosa man in the story. 'In as much as it addresses some political challenges in South Africa, it is also about love between this couple, Boesman and Lena. I'm privileged to be one of the people who would do this version of the play, it is interesting we will be doing it in Afrikaans,' said Sithole recently in a video. Director of the play and actor Christo Davids said he was deeply saddened by Sithole's passing. 'I'm deeply saddened and shocked by this news. My deepest condolences to his entire family and those close to him,' said Davids. 'The world has lost a true gentleman. Committed to his craft with unwavering dedication to his fellow actors and colleagues. NOW READ: WATCH: Ladysmith Black Mambazo honoured with special award celebrating 65 years in music
IOL News
15 hours ago
- IOL News
How the Van Rensburg family turned Tarlton Raceway into South Africa's mecca of drag racing
Terry Yannikakis (Mazda F1000) burns rubber before his best run of 9.651 seconds at 195.26km/h. | Archives Image: Archives On September 24, 1977, Mick Van Rensburg changed the course of South Africa's drag racing scene. Not only did he build the first ever drag-specific race track in the country, but he essentially gave South Africans the opportunity to reach for their dreams. Now just under five decades later, his children Michael van Rensburg, Karen Pretorius and Nico van Rensburg carry on his legacy. A legacy that was thought to be dying off between 2015 and 2022 because of various factors, including money, a dying culture and an inability to fully connect with the new generation. Mick passed away in 2020, at a time when the family had to close Tarlton Raceway because of the Covid-19 pandemic. But together, his three children have managed to navigate through the muck of running such a huge facility and is taking Mick van Rensburg legacy into the new generation. Suzette van Rensberg, their mother, is the only member of the family that does not like drag racing. The sport of drag racing is like any expensive hobby, you kind of regret getting into it after you see how expensive it becomes. Hence, only purists and truly passionate drivers (and their wives) last and have a legacy in the sport. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad loading It's something that requires every ounce of sacrifice you have in your body and bank account, at least that's how drivers see it. Many people never see, or are not interested in seeing, behind the curtain and experiencing the life of a drag racing organiser, especially at the level Tarlton does it. It is the only facility in the country where you get to see jet cars, top fuel dragsters and 7 second Nissan 1400 bakkies go down the quarter mile. In short, it is the mecca of South African drag racing. And the van Rensburg family have been custodians of this holy land for two generations, but it has come with a ton of hard work and sacrifice. Just to give some insight into the cost of hosting an event at Tarlton Raceway - the track bite, which is a substance used to create better traction, costs R100,000. That R100,000 worth of track bite only lasts one event. Dominic Dias driving his all-wheel drive Honda Civic at Tarlton Raceway Dominic Dias driving his all-wheel drive Honda Civic at Tarlton Raceway on May 31. The black, shiny substance that can be seen on the floor is the track bite, which is sprayed on the tarmac before and during the event for traction. Image: Auto Rush 'My dad started building the track in 1974 and the official opening was in 1977. I'm 50 now and have been involved since I was born. Drag racing has basically been my life, it's our family's life. My father also loved to race. He drove top fuel dragsters on nitro meth way back in the 70's. 'My elder sister Karen, and my oldest brother Michael, who actually lives at the track, run Tarlton today. Michael and I had our fair share of racing as well, we both drove really fast cars. I did a 7 second pass when I was 16-years-old with a V8 hemi powered dragster. So yeah, we all had our fun, but now it's mostly hard work,' Nico van Rensburg said. 'The industry itself has changed a lot over the years and we also were affected by it. I think it goes back as far as 2016, that's when we actually stopped hosting national events. Also just from a financial perspective, it became extremely expensive. In addition to hosting, we also had a number of cars with dedicated drivers so it was costly. 'I think the result of a few big sponsors parting ways with us, the Rand/Dollar exchange rate and just a lack of support in general from competitors led us to stop nationals altogether. We had a couple small events up until 2020 when Covid came. It hit us and hit us very hard. Tarlton was closed for three years and when we reopened again in 2023.
